Lagos: India’s fencing team secures 29 medals, including three golds
India’s Strong Performance in Lagos
India’s fencing team has achieved notable success at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos, Nigeria. On day three, the team secured three gold medals, contributing to an overall haul of 29 medals. This total includes 8 gold, 7 silver, and 14 bronze medals across various events. The championship is set to conclude on Wednesday, with the Indian contingent focusing on the remaining foil, epee, and sabre disciplines.
The Indian team demonstrated dominance in several categories. In the senior women’s foil event, Kanaglakshmi earned a gold medal, while her teammate Joys Ashitha secured a silver, placing India in the top two positions. England’s Georgia Green and Emily Goodchild each received bronze medals in this category.
In the senior men’s sabre event, Singh Karan Singh clinched India’s third gold medal of the day after a strong performance against Australia’s Shim Yoongi, who took silver. India’s Kumaresan Padma Gisho Nidhi also contributed to the medal count by winning a bronze medal, shared with Nigeria’s Akinyosoye Oluwafolayemi.
Individual Achievements and Team Dominance
The championship has seen several individual fencers shine. Khushi Dabhade from Madhya Pradesh secured a silver medal in the Women’s Epee Individual event. Khushi, who trained at the state’s sports fencing academy, has been recognized for her consistent performances, including representing India at the Épée Women’s World Cup in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France, and appearances at the FIE Epee Grand Prix in Cairo, the FIE Senior Epee World Cup in Kazan, and the Senior Asian Fencing Championships in Seoul.
On the domestic front, Khushi has also achieved success, winning medals at the 30th and 32nd Senior National Fencing Championships, a bronze in the Women’s Epee Team at the 37th National Games in Goa, and a podium finish at the Khelo India University Games. Her training is overseen by head coach Bhupendra Singh, with support from the Sports and Youth Welfare department.
On day two of the championship, Indian fencers continued their strong showing, adding seven medals to their tally. In the senior women’s Epee event, Tanishka Khatri won gold, while Khushi Dabhade secured silver. Prachi Lohan also earned a bronze medal, shared with Australia’s Harrison Asley.
Continued Success in Sabre and Foil Events
The women’s team also performed well in the Sabre individual category, securing three medals. Aakhari claimed a silver medal, finishing behind England’s Brierley. Additionally, Shruti Joshi and Jefarlin each earned a bronze medal for India in this event.
In the senior men’s Foil event, Tejas Patil secured a bronze medal despite strong international competition. Alex Tophalidas of Cyprus won the gold medal, with England’s Oliver Strange taking silver. Another bronze in this event was awarded to England’s David William.
On the opening day of the event, India had already secured 17 medals, including four gold, demonstrating early dominance in both men’s and women’s individual events. The team added one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals on Monday night across the senior individual events in women’s Sabre, women’s Epee, and men’s Foil.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
